Why Low Carb Diets Can Work

There are some diets that are little more than a fad and they may hold out some hope for weight loss but that hope is often reversed when the weight comes back on. Other diets, however, may work quite well but they are so difficult to maintain that most people simply give up before they really see the benefits. That isn’t the case, however, with low carb diets. As a matter of fact, many people try these diets and not only lose weight, they stick to them for the rest of their lives.

Low carbohydrate diets are more than just a passing fad. They have even been around for thousands of years, although they weren’t considered a method of weight loss in ancient times. The human body is made to survive during times of starvation and it is not necessary for it to have carbohydrates in order to survive. When the only foods that are available are proteins and meats, the body is not only able to survive, it even thrives. That is because fat can easily be used by the body for energy. After all, body fat is nothing more than stored energy!

The real key to making low carb diets work is sticking to them very closely. The body goes into a state known as ketosis when carbohydrates are restricted or completely eliminated. It takes a few days for it to happen but once it occurs, the body makes a shift from burning glucose to burning fat. Not only is it an efficient way of weight loss, it is actually a healthy way of losing weight. That is due to the fact that the body is able to efficiently burn fat for fuel and the human brain even works better on ketones than it does on glucose.

One issue that is associated with a low carbohydrate diet is the need to stick to it faithfully. After the body goes into ketosis, any indulgence in carbohydrate will shift the body back to burning glucose again. One moment of indiscretion; eating a slice of bread or perhaps having a piece of cake and it will be several days before the body begins burning fat for fuel again.

Weight loss is the primary reason why most people will start a low carbohydrate diet. There are also many other benefits that are possible for those who stick to the diet for the long-term. There is evidence to show that eating a low carbohydrate diet helps to reduce high blood pressure, balances sugar levels, reduces a problem with insulin sensitivity and provides more energy and mental clarity to the dieter.

With so many reasons to be on a low carbohydrate diet, it’s little wonder that it is one of the most popular choices available. Regardless of whether it is Atkins, South Beach or the Keto diet, it is an option that can benefit anyone when they stick to the plan. Not only will they experience weight loss, they will benefit from all of the other reasons why living a low carbohydrate lifestyle is a great choice to make.